It's not the answer she had expected. Cassandra's lips part in surprise - Leliana does not often admit to uncertainty, even to her. And certainly not since their disagreement. She had been prepared to be rebuked, rebuffed; if she was lucky, Leliana would roll her eyes in fond exasperation and deftly change the subject, rather than laughing outright or coldly dismissing Cassandra from her presence.

She is not quite certain how to reply, at first; and then she knows, all at once. Leliana had stood by her through so many of her own crises and instances of self-doubt, a steady, reassuring presence. Cassandra can do no less than the same.

"Offer them what they ask for," she says, but it's a suggestion and not a declaration, her tone and eyes soft and kind rather than impatient or imperious. "Offer them the truth."